Event Information
Tue 16 May | 7pm - late | Foyle Studio
A triple bill of performances exploring arts and mental health.
Join us on Tuesday 16th May as we showcase some of our work at Midlands Arts Centre. Together with our partners, we’ll be presenting our diverse programme of live performances, spoken word, film and comedy.
A triple bill of live performances will take place in the Foyle Studio for our evening showcase: BEDLAM Late.
Enjoy a tour of the BEDLAM exhibition led by Emily Churchill-Zaraa, and three performances including The Head Gardener by Untied Artists, SICKKK ICARUS by Mobilise Art, and Halfway Round the Bend by Dan Hagley. Followed by DJs in MAC's Bar to end the evening.
The Head Gardener: Brothers Jake and Warren Oldershaw have propagated a delightful theatre show that digs deep into the reasons why we could all do with a bit more horticulture in our lives. After growing up on the rural Isle of Wight, Jake made a career out of ’showing off’ and Warren ended up with a nice (proper) job, designing and looking after gardens. But it hasn’t always been easy. As we all know, there are sunny days, and there are days when it feels like you really shouldn’t have gotten out of bed. During the show, they tell personal tales of why gardening is so important for mental health; design, draught and bring to life a unique and beautiful garden; share fascinating stories of different projects, plants and species; and even throw a few songs in to the mix.
SICKKK ICARUS: Icarus, a gamer, is lost in a world of grief after the passing of his Dad, Daedalus. In this retelling of the famous myth, we are reminded that sometimes you have to fall to fly! SICKKK ICARUS, a contemporary reimagining of the myth of Icarus for young people. Written and Directed by Hannah Phillips with Composition and Lyrics by Nik Haley.
Halfway Round the Bend: This cheerfully anarchic fusion of stand-up comedy and contemporary confessional writing by Dan Hagley explores the writer/performers own lived experience of mental illness.
About BEDLAM Festival
Now over a decade since we first began, BEDLAM Festival has evolved, but our mission remains the same. We strive to reduce stigma and encourage discussions around mental health–all through a specially curated programme of performances and commissions.
Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, together with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Midlands Arts Centre, Sampad South Asian Arts and our guest partner Red Earth Collective presents BEDLAM Showcase 2023.
